The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has launched a survey aimed at providing home-based health services to senior citizens aged 70 and above.
Coordinator of the Basic Health Services at Home for Senior Citizens program Kalpana Shrestha stated that the survey of basic health conditions began on Sunday. Nurses working in Urban Health Promotion Centers across all 32 wards of the metropolis have been mobilized for this task after receiving four days of orientation training at the Bir Hospital.
Each health team visiting homes consists of a nurse and a community health volunteer. During the check-up, health workers will measure blood pressure, body temperature, pulse rate, and oxygen saturation levels. Additionally, nurses will review each senior citizen’s medical history, checking current medications and ensuring that they are being stored correctly. The assessment also covers environmental hygiene, nutritional intake, and visual and auditory capabilities.
Coordinator Shrestha explained that following the initial health screening, a report is generated for each individual. If necessary, they are treated at the Urban Health Promotion Center, and in more complex cases, they are referred to the Bir Hospital for specialized care after consultation with doctors.
She reassured that elderly citizens with limited financial resources need not worry about costs, as the metropolis has already implemented a free insurance program covering up to Rs 100,000. If any citizen has missed out on this insurance, the visiting focal persons will assist them with the registration process.
The KMC plans to screen 5 to 7 senior citizens daily in each ward through the end of May.
Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol has urged health workers to approach their duties with empathy, noting that this is a humanitarian service rather than just a professional obligation. She reminded staff to be patient and understanding, even if they encounter difficult behavior from elderly residents who may feel isolated or unsupported.
